This test is primarily used to diagnose SLE and is useful to rule out rheumatoid arthritis, dermatomyositis, and polymyositis as the cause of your symptoms. Some people that possess SLE will develop kidney inflammation.
Common Symptoms of SLE:
- Severe fatigue
- Joint pain and swelling
- headaches
- "butterfly rash" that is located on the cheeks and nose
- hair loss
- anemia
- blood clotting patterns
- and Raynaud's Phenomenon which will cause fingers to turn white or blue when cold
Chromatin antibodies may also be found in patients with autoimmune hepatitis and Sjogren's syndrome.
Preparation:
Fasting for 10-12 hours required.
Test Results:
1-2 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
